Anne Gunning: One of the Most Stunning Models of the 1950s ~ Vintage Everyday

Born 1929 as Anne Gunning Parker, Irish fashion model Anne Gunning became the house model of Sybil Connolly, who was introduced to America by Carmel Snow.

Anne Gunning in the 1950s

American photographer Milton H. Greene photographed her during his 1953 trip to Ireland, where he was shooting for Connolly. The 10 August 1953 cover of the Life magazine featured Anne Gunning in Connolly's red Kinsale cape and white crochet evening dress, with the headline “Irish invade fashion world”. This cover helped the two women gain international recognition.

Gunning went on to work with many notable photographers, including Norman Parkinson, John French and Mark Shaw. She and Barbara Mullen accompanied Parkinson to India, on an assignment for Vogue. She also worked in Paris, New York City and London.

Anne Gunning limited herself to photographic modeling, despite requests from designers like Coco Chanel to be a part of their stage shows. She did only one fashion show – for Sybil Connolly – as a favor. She was afraid of falling down on the stage, and remarked, “that sea of faces glaring at me was too daunting.”

Gunning died in 1990 at the age of 61.

Take a look at these vintage photos to see the beauty of Anne Gunning in the 1950s.

Anne Gunning in Balenciaga's exquisite ensemble, photo by Frances McLaughlin-Gill on the Escalier des Ambassadeurs, Versailles, Vogue US, 1952

Anne Gunning in 'Bainin' tweed coat with large lapels and pockets by Sybil Connolly, photo by Milton Greene on Wellington Quay in Dublin, Ireland, 1953.

Anne Gunning in 'Bainin' tweed coat with large lapels and pockets by Sybil Connolly, photo by Milton Greene on Wellington Quay in Dublin, Ireland, 1953

Anne Gunning in evening mantle by Irish fashion designer Sybil Connolly, photo (variant) by Milton Greene on location in Ireland for LIFE, 1953

Anne Gunning in finely pleated floral print dress with matching coat lined in pink satin by Christian Dior, photo by Henry Clarke, Paris Vogue, 1953

Anne Gunning in gown and evening coat by Sybil Connolly, photo by Milton Greene, Ireland, 1953

Anne Gunning in gown by Jacques Fath, photo by Mark Shaw, 1953

Anne Gunning in mauve over pink organza dance dress with purple organza stole by Lanvin Castillo, photo by Pottier, 1953

Anne Gunning in pleated cambric top and satin skirt for evening by Sybil Connolly, photo by Milton Greene at Dunsany Castle in Ireland, LIFE, 1953

Anne Gunning in poppy red wool suit, double-breasted jacket is fitted with shawl collar and sculpted bustline, by Christian Dior, handbag by Dubost, photo by Philippe Pottier, Paris, 1953

Anne Gunning in red wool coat with black collar, single button closure, black gros-grain beret, by Manguin, handbag by Roger Model, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953

Anne Gunning in silk print dress of various shades of yellow with pleated panels in the skirt and a crossed bodice by Givenchy, photo by Pottier, 1953

Anne Gunning in tan cotton piqué suit, jacket is boxy with square neckline, bright blue scarf adds color, by Jean Patou, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953

Anne Gunning in white satin gown with velvet ribbon outlining the bosom by Jacques Fath, photographed in the foyer at Fath's chateau at Corbeville by Mark Shaw, 1953

Anne Gunning in woolen redingote with velvet collar by Jacques Fath, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953

Anne Gunning is wearing Dior's rose printed chiffon with rose silk coat lined in the same print, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, 1953

Anne Gunning in beautiful satin-striped silk organdy gown in floral print of reds and dusky leaves worn under its Victorian jacket by Jacques Fath, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, 1954

Anne Gunning in blue fleece coat, double breasted and flapped pockets by Harry Frechtel, bag by Josef, hat by Gardner, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, paintings by Franz Kline, Harper's Bazaar, 1954